Fabrication & Design Engineer

Job Overview: Fabrication & Design Engineer is responsible for managing and executing all engineering-related administrative, design, CNC programming, and engineering change control (ECRs & ECNs) functions in support of Rochester Welding Company's metal fabrication and welding operations. This role supports production for highly regulated defense-industry customers, including BAE Systems and Textron, requiring strict control of documentation, traceability, process discipline, and compliance.

The Fabrication & Design Engineer ensures all engineering processes support efficient welded fabrication, machining, and assembly while aligning with customer requirements, production schedules, ISO/QMS standards, and continuous improvement initiatives

Key Responsibilities:

Engineering, Fabrication & Welding Support

• Manage internal engineering activities including design documentation, CNC programming support, Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) within a welded metal fabrication environment.
• Provide engineering support for welding and fabrication processes including weld joint design, weld symbols, fixturing strategy, distortion control, and manufacturability.
• Support development of welded assemblies and fabricated structures from design through production release.
• Ensure all engineering changes are evaluated for fabrication impact, welding feasibility, cost, quality, and schedule prior to implementation.

Engineering Change Management (ECR / ECN Control)

• Serve as the primary owner, coordinator, and bookkeeper of all ECRs and ECNs.
• Ensure ECNs are properly reviewed, approved, released, and communicated prior to execution on the shop floor.
• Verify all ECNs include proper documentation, customer requirements, revision history, and full traceability.
• Coordinate cross-functional review of engineering changes with quality, production, and management.
• Ensure ECNs comply with Customer Expectations, ISO/QMS requirements, and internal change-control procedures.
• Maintain accurate ECN records to support audit readiness, customer reviews, and configuration management.

Project Planning & Customer Coordination

• Coordinate APQP timelines and engineering milestones, including ECN implementation schedules.
• Communicate engineering changes and release timing clearly to production to prevent nonconformances.
• Support customer-specific change control and notification requirements for BAE Systems, Textron, and other customers.
• Monitor engineering deliverables to ensure ECNs are implemented correctly, completely, and on time.

Document Control, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain full traceability of drawings, ECNs, ECRs, work instructions, weld callouts, and process documentation.
• Ensure ECNs are accurately reflected in controlled documents, revision blocks, and electronic filing systems.
• Support document control discipline required for defense programs and ISO audits.
• Ensure obsolete revisions are identified, quarantined, and removed from point-of-use.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Use ECN data and engineering metrics to identify trends, recurring issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to engineering or fabrication changes.
• Drive value-added engineering solutions that reduce rework, change frequency, and downstream disruptions.

Communication & Professional Conduct

• Maintain clear communication with the Engineering Manager regarding ECN workload, priorities, and risks.
• Ensure the production team are properly informed and trained on applicable ECNs.
• Handle defense-related and proprietary information with discretion and professionalism.
• Follow established chain of command and company procedures.

Requirements:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.

• Minimum of five years of experience military/defense welding/fabrication industry.

• Experience supporting welded assemblies and fabricated structures in a job shop or OEM environment strongly preferred.

• Proficient welding fabrication processes (MIG, TIG, resistance, or other applicable methods).

• Understanding of weld joint design, fixturing, distortion control, material selection, and fabrication sequencing.

• Solid understanding of CNC machining, fabrication shop workflows, and machine capabilities.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Excel & CAD files and ERP systems (Jobboss).

• Advanced blueprint reading skills, including GD&T and welding symbols.

• Working knowledge of ISO:9001, quality management systems, APQP, and defense-industry expectations.

• Proficient Knowledge on material substrates as follows;

o Mild Steel (sheet/plate/bar stock/tubing etc.)

§ ASTM A500

§ ASTM A513

§ ASTM A108

§ ASTM A1011

§ ASTM A36

§ ASTM A572

§ ASTM A656

§ ASTM A514

o Armor Steel (sheet/plate)

§ MIL-DTL-46100

§ MIL-DTL-12560

· CLASS 1 & 2

o Aluminum (sheet/plate/bar stock/tubing etc., ALL TEMPERS)

§ ASTM 5052

§ ASTM 6061

§ ASTM 5083

§ ASTM 5086

o Aluminum Armor (plate)

§ 5083-H131 (MIL-DTL-46027)

Core Competencies:

• Motivated with a "whatever it takes" attitude.

• Strong attention to detail, quality, and efficiency.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Strong problem-solving abilities.

• Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Accountability-driven mindset suitable for regulated defense manufacturing.

Tools & Equipment:

• RWCI Required PPE ex. Safety glasses/ear plugs
• Computer, printer, scanner
• Calipers, micrometers, height gauges
• Weld gauges and inspection tools
• CNC (mills, lathes), CMM, Laser, Press Brake, Robot Welder, HD Plasma
• Material handling equipment (overhead cranes, carts, forklifts)

Physical Demands:

· Occasionally lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

· Regularly perform reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, and gripping tasks.

· Stand for long periods and operate machinery as required.

· Daily use of computers for job-related tasks.

Environmental Conditions:

• Primarily indoor work with occasional exposure to outdoor environments.

• Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, chemicals, and loud noise.

• Consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to: safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, and hearing protection.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending